This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 (6 Across). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Wednesday sits mid-week in difficulty, with more wordplay than Monday or Tuesday.
How to read this clue
The question mark warns of wordplay. Expect a pun or a second meaning rather than a straight definition.
Answer length: 5 squares
First letter
C _ _ _ _
First and last letters
C _ _ _ S
Show the answer
About the answer
CLEFS as a word: (music) A symbol found on a musical staff that indicates the pitches represented by the lines and the spaces on the staff [from 16th c.].
CLEFS has been an answer once in the NYT Crossword and Mini puzzles we have on file, which go back to October 23, 2025.
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